In Chinese culture, a multitude of customs, feng shui and superstitions are observed during funerals, all aimed at ensuring a respectful ceremony and bringing peace to the deceased and their family.
One crucial rule dictates that younger individuals should pay their respects to the elderly, as it is seen as unlucky for an older person to bid farewell to a younger individual.
Should a child pass away, it is customary for the parents not to hold a funeral or offer prayers, and the child is buried silently.
After a person's passing, mirrors are removed from their home to prevent the deceased soul from becoming lost.
In the event of an elderly person's death, all statues of deities in their house are covered with red paper to avoid inadvertent disrespect.
Feng Shui dictates that the timing of funerals is carefully chosen to bring luck to the living and peace to the dead. Some people avoid attending funerals during the seventh lunar month when spirits are believed to roam the world.
Attendees typically wear dark colours and give condolence money to the family, with odd amounts being the norm.
During Taoist funerals, "ghost money" made of joss paper is burned to aid in the deceased's journey in the afterlife.
Certain precautions are taken to prevent evil spirits from following the family home after a funeral, such as leaving out pomegranate-infused water.
In Chinese culture, mourning typically lasts a few days, but the soul is believed to embark on a longer journey in the afterlife.
Souls are believed to undergo judgment upon death, and there are various rituals to expedite their release from purgatory, including prayers from religious individuals and more elaborate rituals like "breaking the hell's gate." This ritual involves a Taoist priest performing ceremonial acts to symbolize the release of the deceased soul from purgatory.
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